QUEZON City, Philippines (March 3) – Why did that student from the University of the East mop the floor with the Philippine Flag?
It was February 9 when the 22-second video was uploaded to a social media site and gathered thousands of reaction from the netizens. This made the UE release a statement regarding the issue. “We share in the frustration of those who were offended by the video, primarily in its featured action’s violation of Republic Act 8491, i.e., the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines-and appeal to the public’s calm and patience as we in the University deal with this matter with utmost urgency and seriousness”, said Ester Albano Garcia,UE President and Chief Academic Officer.
An absence in awareness is the problem. Is the student not aware of what he is doing? Did he not know that he violated certain laws? Knowing that you would violate something by doing an act, you would hesitate to do so, unless you badly want something out of it. Seeing the video, there can be no reason in mopping the flag other than teenage angst and raging hormones. “Trip lang”.
The English subject was in the curriculum in every grade. A student takes 12 years in studying the same language, with almost same topics discussed. If this is possible in a subject, why is it not possible for the topic of nationalism to be discussed over and over?
The bridge in relationship is not always love, trust, communication etc. It is simply respect. Assuming that the UE student is not aware of the laws regarding the national flag; will he still do what he’d done if he has respect? Paying respect doesn’t always need to be taught; sometimes it’s just common sense. Sadly, this sense is always accidentally left in the house.
Madonna’s concert in the Philippines became controversial because the star wore the national flag which violates Republic Act No. 8491, under section 34, which prohibit the national flag to be worn in whole or in part as a costume or uniform. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Heraldry Section chief Teodoro Atienza added that the pop star allowed the flag to touch the stage floor that counts as another violation. This responsibility falls in the producer of the concert who should have considered the laws and respected what is written. Paying respect and loving back can be in many ways.
Lastly, the student will not mop the floor with the Philippine flag if he has even an ounce of nationalism. It doesn’t have to be taught and teachers are not the ones to blame. It happened because we now exist in a world where we choose to hear what we want to hear, thus, we avoid information and learning. We exist in a world where people would rather be wrong with others than to stand alone for what is right. We avoid what people might say , “ang korni mo”.
Wag ganon.
References
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/554837/hashtag/ue-says-flag-sweeping-done-by-its-students-deplores-desecration#sthash.tlMdnoD2.dpuf
http://www.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/
(written by Karen Llacuna, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)
